likely winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely winner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a person or team that has a strong chance of winning a competition or contest. Example: "Based on their recent performances, the team is considered the likely winner of the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Post time: 4 55 p.m. Kitten's Joy (1-1) likes like the most likely winner on the day.

The New York Times - Sports

But even with this loophole, it seems like Lee will be a likely winner ….

TechCrunch

The likely winner?

The Economist

When does a likely winner emerge?

The Guardian - Sport

The most likely winner remains Hamid Karzai, the incumbent president.

The Economist

Puckett said he tabbed Del Bosco as the likely winner.

The New York Times - Sports

But who is strong and a likely winner?

The Economist

I came away thinking Sarkozy is the more likely winner.

The New York Times

The bad-aim defense is not a likely winner.

The New York Times

Other analysts concurred that ConocoPhillips would be the likely winner.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I still feel that the AMR is the most-likely winner, " says Robert Milmore, airline analyst at Arnold & S.Bleichroeder.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "likely winner", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the probability of winning. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning when possible to strengthen your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "likely winner" when the outcome is highly uncertain or based on speculation. Use qualifiers like "potential" or "possible" if the chances of winning are not definitively high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely winner" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "likely" modifies the noun "winner". It describes someone or something that is expected or predicted to win a competition, election, or other contest. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likely winner" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone or something expected to win. Ludwig AI analysis shows it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure your assessment is supported by evidence and avoid overstating certainty if the outcome remains uncertain. Consider alternative phrases such as "probable victor" or "leading contender" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probable victor

Replaces "likely" with "probable" and "winner" with "victor", suggesting a strong chance of winning.

expected champion

Substitutes "likely" with "expected" and "winner" with "champion", emphasizing anticipation of victory.

presumed frontrunner

Uses "presumed" instead of "likely" and "frontrunner" instead of "winner", highlighting the leading position.

odds-on favourite

Employs a more idiomatic expression, indicating a strong favorite based on betting odds.

leading contender

Replaces "likely winner" with a phrase that emphasizes the person or thing is a strong competitor.

potential victor

Suggests the possibility of winning, replacing "likely" with "potential" and "winner" with "victor".

favored competitor

Replaces "likely winner" with an emphasis on the anticipation of victory. It replaces "likely" with "favored" and "winner" with "competitor".

deemed most probable

Highlights the perception of a high probability of winning.

front-runner candidate

Uses "front-runner" to specify the leading position and "candidate" as a general term.

projected champion

Indicates that someone or something is anticipated to become the champion, often based on some analytical estimate.

FAQs

How can I use "likely winner" in a sentence?

You can use "likely winner" to describe someone or something expected to win. For example, "Based on current polls, she is the "likely winner" of the election."

What are some alternatives to saying "likely winner"?

Alternatives include "probable victor", "expected champion", or "leading contender" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "likely winner" in formal writing?

Yes, "likely winner" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news articles, reports, or analytical pieces where you are assessing the probability of success.

What factors should I consider before calling someone or something the "likely winner"?

Consider factors such as past performance, current standings, expert opinions, and any other relevant data that supports the claim that they are the "likely winner". Avoid making the claim based on personal bias or unsupported assumptions.